Viterbo Hosts Annual Athletics Honors Banquet
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Athletics Department honored over 150 student-athletes for their athletic, academic, and service accomplishments on Wednesday night during its annual Athletics Honors Banquet at Celebrations on the River.
80 athletes earned NAIA or NCBCA scholar athlete recognition, 20 were named Champions of Character, 57 were honored for All-Conference accomplishments, and three teams and 14 individuals for national competition qualification. 13 V-Hawks were named All-Americans, and 63 seniors were honored one final time.
This year, Viterbo Athletics added a variety of awards that were nominated by and voted upon by the student-athletes. These winners include:
The Photo of the Year:
Student-Athletes submitted the most exciting, memorable, or funniest shots from the year, and voted on their favorite.
V-Hawk Spirit Award: Baseball
This Award is given to the team whose peers felt showed the most support and energy while cheering on their fellow V-Hawks throughout the year.
V-Hawk Service Award: Amanda Bogdonovich
The V-Hawk Service Award is given to the student-athlete whose peers feel most embodies the Viterbo mission of faithful service and ethical leadership. The winner not only showed dedication and commitment to their performance in the classroom and on their team, but also across the campus and in our community.
Moment of the Year: Cale Beckman's No-Hitter
This award was chosen from a pool of the most impressive athletic feats accomplished by the V-Hawks this year. This could be single match by a team or athlete, post season runs, or record setting performance.
Male Golden Crutch Recipient: Nate Powell
Female Golden Crutch Recipient: Kelcie Karweick
The Athletic Training Staff joined in on the awards this year, debuting the Golden Crutch Award. This is given to a male and female athlete that is model patient in the Athletic Training Room, exudes positivity, encourages others, and makes their health a priority, all while contributing to their sport, the classroom experience, and the Viterbo community in general. Additionally, this student-athlete has overcome adversity in some form during this academic year.
Male Senior Scholar-Athlete: Marcus Hornacek
Female Senior Scholar-Athlete: Bailey Johnson
Each year, the graduating senior Student-Athlete with the highest cumulative GPA is awarded with the Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.
Male Newcomer of the Year: Connor Birdsong
Female Newcomer of the Year: Emily Newbauer
The Newcomers of the Year are voted on by the Athletics staff. A student-athlete using their first season of eligibility at Viterbo (freshman, redshirt, transfer) is eligible.
Male Athlete of the Year: Jalen Anderson
Female Athlete of the Year: Kenzie Winker:
All athletes are eligible to be nominated for the Athlete of the Year, and are voted on by the athletics staff for their exceptional athletic achievements.
The full ceremony can be watched here.